Google Android VP exits to join Chinese phone maker

Mr. Barra Android highest executive switched over to work at a Chinese Android phone manufacturer. Even thou he will stay within the Android family Mr. Barra is leaving one of the most prominent work placement in the current economy to be replaced for someone whom is willing to take such responsibility.

Hugo Barra, vice president, Android Product Management at Google, is taking off to become Vice President at Xiaomi Global. Barra was a fixture at Mountain View events, such asIO, and product unveilings, including introducing the new Nexus 7 and Android 4.3 last month.

“After nearly five and a half years at Google and almost three years as a member of the Android team…I have decided to start a new career chapter,” Barra wrote on hisGoogle+.

“In a few weeks, I’ll be joining the Xiaomi team in China to help them expand their incredible product portfolio and business globally…I’m really looking forward to this new challenge, and am particularly excited about the opportunity to continue to help drive the Android ecosystem.”

Xiaomi uses a heavily customized version of Android in its handsets.

Bye bye Barra

Google confirmed Barra’s departure to AllThingsD before he took to Google+, with a company rep stating, “We’ll miss him at Google and we’re excited that he is staying within the Android ecosystem.”

In other words: Best of luck Barra, and thanks for keeping it in the family.

Barra is the most recent high-level Android exec to put in notice. Earlier this year, Andy Rubin, head of Android and developer of the system, stepped down to start “a new chapter” at Google.

As ATD postulated, Barra’s exit so soon after Rubin could cause shakiness at Team Android. There’s no word yet on a Barra replacement or how his responsibilities will be handled.